Method of Preparing an Engine for Ferry Flight

Abstract

A method for preparing a gas turbine engine for a ferry flight, where the engine has a core gas turbine engine, a spinner, and a plurality of external fan blades powered by the core gas turbine engine. The core gas turbine engine has an annular splitter for directing a portion of incoming airflow into the core gas turbine engine. The method comprises the steps of: a) removing the spinner; b) removing the fan blades; and c) securing a fairing in sealing engagement with the core gas turbine engine.

1 . A method of preparing a gas turbine engine for a ferry flight, said engine having a core gas turbine engine, a spinner, and a plurality of external fan blades powered by said core gas turbine engine, said core gas turbine engine having an annular splitter for directing a portion of incoming airflow into said core gas turbine engine, said method comprising the steps of:
 removing said spinner;   removing said fan blades; and   securing a fairing in sealing engagement with said core gas turbine engine.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said fairing provides mechanical resistance to rotation and substantially prevents airflow from imparting rotational energy to said core gas turbine engine. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said fairing has a first portion adapted for securement to said fan rotor and an annular second portion which surrounds and is secured to said first portion, such that said securing step is a two phase operation. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said first portion is secured first, followed by said second portion. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said securing step includes translating said fairing axially into sealing engagement with said splitter. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of storing said spinner and said fan blades for transportation. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said securing step is accomplished with a plurality of fasteners. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of securing a rotor lock for preventing rotation of components within said core gas turbine engine. 
   
   
       9 . A method of preparing a gas turbine engine for a ferry flight, said engine having a core gas turbine engine, a spinner, and a plurality of external fan blades powered by said core gas turbine engine, said core gas turbine engine having an annular splitter for directing a portion of incoming airflow into said core gas turbine engine, said method comprising the steps of:
 removing said spinner;   removing said fan blades;   storing said spinner and said fan blades for transportation; and   securing a fairing in sealing engagement with said core gas turbine engine by translating said fairing axially into sealing engagement with said splitter;   wherein said fairing has a first portion adapted for securement to said fan rotor and an annular second portion which surrounds and is secured to said first portion, such that said securing step is a two phase operation and is accomplished with a plurality of fasteners; and   wherein said fairing provides mechanical resistance to rotation and substantially prevents airflow from imparting rotational energy to said core gas turbine engine.